Old barn restored for weddings, events

Eddie and Cindy Atkins have transformed their once-dilapidated barn into a rural wedding location.

Both widowed, the couple met during a Professional Development Day at Cleveland Community College, where they both work. They eloped on March 19, 2016.

Rather than rent a venue for the reception, the couple decided to fix up an open-air tractor shed on their Mountain View Farm at 1409 W. Stagecoach Trail in Lawndale. After pulling off their own reception, they decided to extend their efforts to the old cattle barn on the property so they could host weddings, receptions and other events.

“We’re starting out our new life together and starting a new adventure together,” Cindy Atkins said.

She purchased the property with her late husband, Allen, in 1994. They renovated the farmhouse, built in the early 1900s, so they could move in, but the other parts of the property were mostly untouched.

Contractors suggested tearing the barn down due to its condition. Instead, Eddie Atkins made the shed and barn his personal projects. He devoted hours to completely revamping the spaces.

“I liked the old barn, and I’d have hated to see it torn down,” he said.

Parts of the foundation and the old tin roof from the original barn remain. With help from a friend, he built new walls and doors and installed fans and lights to allow the barn to be a functioning space for events. Pews were also added for weddings, the first of which will take place at the barn at the end of the month.

Dana White, a welding instructor at Cleveland Community College, crafted a metal sign that hangs over the barn’s sliding doors. The sign depicts mountains, trees, and a dear and reads ‘Mountain View Farm.’

The couple plan to make the space available for all types of events, like weddings, receptions, bridal showers, baby showers and parties. Cindy Atkins has done alternations for brides and bridesmaids for years and has always heard about the difficulties in finding a good venue at a good price, which is what she hopes to offer.

While ‘phase one’ of their project is complete, Eddie and Cindy Atkins said the farm will always be a work in progress. If business at the event barn is successful, they plan to convert the former horse stables into a bridal suite, groom’s quarters, restrooms and storage.

"I guess Eddie and I see potential in old things and would rather give them a new beginning instead of destroying them, if possible," Cindy Atkins said.

Those interested in learning more about the barn can visit Mountain View Farm Event Barn on Facebook. Booking inquiries can be made at 704-472-9644 or mvfeventbarn@gmail.com.